1923-26 BABE RUTH LOUISVILLE SLUGGER 40K PROFESSIONAL MODEL GAME USED BAT (MEARS A6)

Offered here is one of the most intriguing Babe Ruth professional model bats you’ll find, due to its immediately identifiable Kork Grip handle feature. The physical traits of this bat, when compared to Ruth’s H&B personal bat order records suggest it dates from 1923-26, a pivotal and important period for The Babe and the New York Yankees. The second version of Ruth’s facsimile signature stamped on the barrel is consistent with the 1921/22 to 1931 era, while the centerbrand design can be dated to circa 1922-25. The bats weight of 36.5 ounces falls into the correct range of Ruth ordered bats for the period. For the label period (1922-25), H&B factory records show bats ordered for Ruth in non-specified lengths with weight listed only, non-specified length with no mention of weight (8/9/23), 34.5 inch, 35 inch, 35.25 inch, 35.5 inch, & 36 lengths. This examined bat measures at 34 inches and does not match the H&B factory listed lengths of 34.5 to 36 bats as being ordered by Ruth during the 1922-31 era. Therefore, this bat may have been consistent with the single N/S (length not specified) order recorded by H&B on 8/9/23 with no mention of either length or weight. The record does clearly state the request for Kork grip. Other aspects of the bat, when combined, point to a possible 1923 origin. This includes the bats 1921 circa centerbrand design of the 40-K (as opposed to the 1920s version of 40K) and the second version of Ruth’s facsimile signature. With the known carry over of production methods with respect to barrel centerbrand and date range of the 2nd version signature, this bat is very consistent with the 1923 order of Babe Ruth 40K bats. Heavy usage is apparent including deeply embedded ball stitch marks, grain swelling and a 3” handle crack. Some deadwood is visible on the back of the barrell and about a dozen small nails appear on the barrel end. An “X” has been carved on the bottom of the knob. The 1923 attribution is significant, as it represents the year that Yankee Stadium first opened and the first World Championship for Babe Ruth in the Bronx. Includes a detailed LOA from MEARS (Grade A6).